New York City has chosen a new mayor — and it’s not the one crypto enthusiasts were rooting for. Progressive Democrat Zohran Mamdani defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo, who had centered much of his campaign on blockchain and digital innovation.
According to Associated Press, Mamdani secured 50.6% of the vote, while Cuomo trailed with 41.2%, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa fell far behind.
Cuomo’s campaign focused on technology-driven reform, including a proposal to establish a Chief Innovation Officer responsible for advancing blockchain adoption and digital asset policies across the city. He envisioned the role as a catalyst for public–private partnerships and economic modernization.
However, political analysts say Cuomo’s pro-crypto stance failed to resonate with New York’s broader electorate. Rebecca Liao, CEO of Saga Protocol, described Cuomo as a “classic establishment Democrat” whose message appealed more to the tech sector than to voters.
In contrast, Mamdani’s platform emphasized social equity, affordable housing, and economic justice — issues that carried more weight with the city’s progressive base. After losing the Democratic primary, Cuomo ran as an independent, but his appeal remained limited.
Current mayor Eric Adams, once known for his crypto-friendly policies and for receiving part of his salary in Bitcoin, withdrew from the race in September 2025, citing financial and media pressure. Under Adams’ leadership, New York created the nation’s first Office for Digital Assets and Blockchain, setting a precedent for crypto policy at the city level.
Meanwhile, in neighboring New Jersey, crypto supporters saw a different outcome: pro-crypto candidate Mikie Sherrill won the gubernatorial election over Republican Jack Ciattarelli. The advocacy group Stand With Crypto claimed it mobilized tens of thousands of digital asset enthusiasts to vote, noting that the number of crypto-aligned voters in the state — over 80,000 — was close to the winning margin.
The group rated Sherrill’s crypto policy record as “excellent,” emphasizing that grassroots participation played a key role in her victory.
The mixed political results across the East Coast suggest a nuanced future for U.S. crypto policy — one where regulatory clarity and innovation will depend less on ideology and more on local leadership.
